Oxted leads July Cup field

Oxted is one of 23 confirmations for Saturday's Darley July Cup as he looks to defend his crown at Newmarket. The five-year-old was somewhat of an unknown entity when he arrived at Newmarket last year, but saw off a challenge from Sceptical to win by one-and-a-quarter lengths.

He heads back to the Suffolk venue fresh from victory in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot last month and with high expectations.

Ed Walker's Starman, who beat Oxted in the Duke of York Stakes in May, will offer competition, while Rohaan and Line Of Departure have also been supplemented.

Quinn keeping options open

John Quinn is yet to decide where to take Highfield Princess next time out after she put in another impressive display to win a Listed contest at Chelmsford.

The four-year-old filly made it back-to-back victories and three wins from her last four outings on the all weather on Sunday. The Moet & Chandon International Heritage Handicap at Ascot on July 24 and the Group Two Sky Bet City of York Stakes at York on August 21 are both being considered as the next step by Quinn. 

"She's a very tough genuine filly. I'm delighted with her," said Quinn. "She's in the big handicap at Ascot and she's also in a Group Two at York. We'll see. I haven't really thought about it yet."

Hannon hoping for redemption

Richard Hannon is seeking redemption when he sends Snow Lantern out in Friday's Group 1 Tattersalls Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.

He had high hopes for her dam, Sky Lantern, in 2013 after winning the 1,000 Guineas and being sent off in a four-runner contest.

However, Sky Lantern came up short, losing by a neck, and he is hoping to go one better this time around.

Hannon said: "She is as fresh as a daisy. It would be nice if she could win the race as her mother deserved it. There is a score to be settled there and it would give us some sort of closure."

McNamara's season hanging in the balance

Flat jockey Adam McNamara could miss the rest of the campaign after suffering a shoulder injury at Beverley last month.

McNamara was leading the field on Mr Coalville when he dislocated his shoulder as he went to use his whip with around a furlong and a half to go.

After an MRI scan, McNamara has opted to undergo surgery on the shoulder, which he has dislocated in the past, and a return to action this season looks unlikely. 

McNamara said: "I'm booked in for an operation next week for a big repair job.

"Unfortunately, the recovery time is four months. It's a full month recovery period and then I'll be at Oaksey House every day for rehab, physio and to keep fit. That's the doctor's guide, but I'd hope to be back quicker."